Four million Italian immigrants arrived to America’s shores during the “Great Arrival” from 1880-1920, and they moved across the country in all directions to earn money for their families.

Immigrants headed to New Orleans to work on sugar cane plantations, others stayed in NYC, filling factories and construction sites, many moved west to Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago and Colorado for industrial labor, and still others journeyed to Pennsylvania and West Virginia for mining work.

West Virginia’s Italians would play an integral role in the growth of Catholicism in the state as well as in the labor movement in the early 20th century.

They also influenced West Virginia’s culinary landscape, giving birth to one of the region’s signature foods: the pepperoni roll.

The preparation of sliced pepperoni layered inside yeast dough and baked began as a portable, imperishable meal for coal miners.

Today, the simple recipe is a staple at local groceries and feast day food stands.

Next time you sink your teeth into one, think about the miners who enjoyed the same midday meal (in all likelihood, it was the only enjoyable part of an otherwise grueling day of dangerous work).

Join us and become a member of Italian Sons and Daughters of America today.